About this Tip:

Components:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1:
Slide a crimp bead or tube over your beading wire.

Step 2:
Slide on a clasp if needed and loop beading wire back through crimp bead leaving enough beading wire to thread back through a bead.

Step 3:
Using your crimping pliers, put the crimp bead into the appropriate sized “C” shaped notch. Before your pinch the pliers closed, pull the bead wire apart so that they are at opposite ends of the “C.” Now pinch closed.

Step 4:
Your crimp bead now looks like a “C.” Take the “C,” make a quarter turn with the bead and crimp closed.

Step 5:
Now you have a crimped crimp bead. I typically do an extra pinch just to make sure I have it secured.

Okay, does anyone else have the trouble I do with crimps? I get the “C” shape easily enough, but when I try to turn the crimp and make the second pinch, instead of tightening it, the second pinch makes the crimp bead round again and the whole thing slides apart. Also, when trying the second crimp, the silly thing twists and slips making it difficult to even get it lined up properly.
I’m certain this is just inexperienced “operator” error, but I HATE having my pieces fall apart. Anyone have hints for this?

This is the first I have ever heard of the “C” shape, I have read where you put the bead at the “back” crimping hole on your pliers first, THEN when you are ready to do a flip over you move it up front, on it’s side. These must be entirely two different ways to crimp. Haven’t tried the c yet, but will for sure try it. Should make putting the crimp ball on easier.

Ok dumb question, what’s the difference between a crimp BEAD and a crimp TUBE? Can you use either with the wire protectors and/or crimp bead covers? How do you decide what to use, is it the diameter of the beading wire or size of the wire protector? Thank you for answering

Sonia M. I would think most people would agree that a crimp tube is a stronger hold as opposed to the crimp bead. I see crimp tubes used more often than not. That being said, they really are interchangeable. Wire protectors and crimp bead cover can be used with both crimp tubes or beads. The size of your beading wire will only determine the size of the wire protector you use and the diameter of your crimp tube/bead needed. I hope this helps:)

I have had and still have problems crimping. I have trouble using the crimp tool Like some others that have commented, I can get the “c” shape part but its the quarter turn that gets me frustrated. So, being who I am, I finally just slide my tube or bead onto my wire and add a dab of jewelers glue and then squeeze my crimp tube or bead closed,turn it, and squeeze again. I figure, if the squeezing doesnt secure it, the glue surely will hold the little booger bead in place! Sure enough, they dont budge. Or break!lol I am sure this would earn me a failing grade as far as proper technique but an A+ for effectiveness.

Hi there. When I make stuff using beading wire, I never attach the clasp right to the wire, as shown here. I always attach a jump ring instead. That way, if someone wants to change the type of clasp or lengthen the piece, all you have to do is open the jump ring and make your change. If the clasp is attached right to the wire, then the only way (that I know of) to alter the piece is to cut the wire and start over, and who wants to do that. Thanks for listening and happy beading guys.

I am so excited find Lima beads! Everything looks so current! I found a lot of things I have been searching for and could not find at my usual places. Can’t wait till I start my first piece.
Thanks,
Debi